Greater Anglia Expands Contactless Payment System to Key Commuter and Airport Routes
In a significant modernization move, Greater Anglia is set to extend contactless payment options to 20 additional stations across its network, with the rollout commencing on Sunday, March 8, 2026. This expansion will notably include the Stansted Express route between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport, marking a pivotal enhancement for travelers.
Enhanced Convenience for Commuters and Airport Travelers
The introduction of pay-as-you-go contactless ticketing aims to streamline journeys, making them quicker, simpler, and more flexible. Passengers will be able to tap in and out using contactless bank cards, smartphones, or other smart devices, eliminating the need for traditional paper tickets or advance purchases.
This extension covers crucial commuter and airport routes, including services to Southend Victoria, Witham, and Stansted Airport. Stations set to benefit from this upgrade include Southend Airport, Chelmsford, Harlow Town, Bishop’s Stortford, and the recently opened Beaulieu Park station.
List of Stations Accepting Contactless Payments from March 8
The full list of 20 stations where contactless payments will be available includes:
- Billericay
- Beaulieu Park
- Bishop’s Stortford
- Chelmsford
- Harlow Mill
- Harlow Town
- Hatfield Peverel
- Hockley
- Ingatestone
- Prittlewell
- Rayleigh
- Rochford
- Roydon
- Sawbridgeworth
- Stansted Airport
- Southend Victoria
- Stansted Mountfitchet
- Wickford
- Witham
- Southend Airport
Official Statement on Ticketing Modernization
Martin Beable, Managing Director of Greater Anglia, emphasized the importance of this development: "We are pleased to confirm the introduction of pay-as-you-go contactless ticketing at these 20 stations. This step modernizes ticketing on the railway, allowing passengers to tap in and out seamlessly, thereby improving the overall travel experience for those commuting into and out of London."
This initiative is part of a broader effort to simplify fares and ticketing across the rail industry, undertaken in collaboration with the Department for Transport and Transport for London. The move aligns with ongoing trends towards digitalization and enhanced passenger convenience in public transport systems.
The expansion is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters and airport travelers, reducing queue times and providing greater flexibility in payment methods. As the rail network continues to evolve, such advancements highlight a commitment to meeting the needs of modern passengers.
